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Unclaimed veteran given final salute
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Posted on Feb 12 2020
Honor guards bring casket of the late Army veteran Robert McCausland to his final resting place at the Veterans Cemetery in Marpi last Feb. 11. (Contributed Photo)
The American Red Cross-NMI Chapter, along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Veteran Affairs Office, had a special burial known as the “Final Salute” for an unclaimed veteran at the Veterans Cemetery in Marpi last Feb. 11.
The late Robert McCausland passed away on Sept. 28, 2018, and his body spent the next 18 months at the morgue of the Commonwealth Health Center until yesterday.
One of McCausland’s friend, Dave Blake, remembers him as someone who loved his privacy, enjoyed debating with close friends, and a very loving, caring person.
“He didn’t want to be around many people and he enjoyed arguing, but he was good,” said Blake.
Another close friend who is an Air Force veteran remembers that McCausland used to talk a lot about his son who played football. He remembers McCausland as an accountant at the Bobby Cadillacs restaurant for a few years.
He said some of those who knew McCausland were able to pay their respects yesterday.
Blake stated that this was a complex situation since McCausland passed away without a will, instructions, and no court documents, highlighting the need for everyone to be prepared and write a will and instructions on what to do after you’ve passed away because you’ll never know when it’s your time.
VAO executive officer Stanley Iakopo, who was also at the funeral, said, “On behalf of the governor and lieutenant governor, I would like to extend their deep sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the late veteran, Robert McCausland.”
Along with his staff, Iakopo also lauded the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Borja Funeral Homes for making the funeral arrangements.
